Three Spire Hospitality Resorts Ideal for Summer Vacation Escape

High Peaks Resort in the heart of Lake Placid is the perfect home base for exploring the Adirondacks of New York.

Looking for a resort escape this summer? Consider these three Spire Hospitality properties for your vacation: The Leta in Santa Barbara, CA, Topnotch Resort in Vermont and High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid New York. 

The Leta

If your idea of the ultimate Southern California retreat is longboards, poolside cocktails and coastal cuisine, you’ve found your place in the sun at one of the best Santa Barbara hotels around. At The Leta, they have a Golden State of Mind attitude, surf-inspired décor, and eclectic accommodations, plus a passion for music shared through their VNYL record shop and live music scene. All of their eccentric, laid back touches will no doubt have guests enjoying the good life, one day at a time. The ideally located property with 158 rooms is prized for its cool, hip, carefree Californian personality and it’s artful, quirky, unexpected, open and soulful chemistry. Local art, music, food and wine are at home here and the hotel boasts 6,000 square feet of meeting space welcoming locals and out of town guests alike for one-of-a-kind meetings and events. Designed with an easygoing, California-cool aesthetic, The Leta’s artful guest rooms and suites channel the radiant spirit of SoCal featuring earthy, eccentric textures and fabrics with a nod to surf-culture nostalgia. This charming beach chic hotel in Goleta also welcomes pets. 

High Peaks Resort

High Peaks Resort in the heart of Lake Placid is the perfect home base for exploring the Adirondacks. Guests can choose from three unique lodging experiences overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack mountains: The Resort, a traditional hotel featuring 105 newly renovated guest rooms; the modern retro-vibe Lake House with 44 guest rooms; and the private and serene Waterfront Collection, featuring 28 guest rooms including 10 suites on the shores of Mirror Lake. Amenities available to all guests include two indoor and two outdoor heated pools, an indoor Jacuzzi, an on-site fully equipped fitness center, the Spa & Salon at High Peaks Resort, and Dancing Bears Restaurant, consistently ranked one of the top restaurants in Lake Placid. Guests also enjoy private access to Mirror Lake with complimentary use of kayaks, paddle boats and stand-up paddleboards, special activities such as yoga at the waterfront and birds of prey demonstrations, an outdoor barbecue, a fire pit (with complimentary s’mores), lawn games, sweeping views of the Adirondack mountains and close proximity to the region’s top attractions and activities such as the Lake Placid Olympic Sites, Whiteface Mountain, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, High Falls Gorge, Ausable Chasm, and numerous hiking trails, kayaking, boating and more in the Adirondack Park. High Peaks Resort is also within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment in downtown Lake Placid. Dogs are welcome, with special canine-friendly treats and amenities. 

Topnotch Resort

The AAA Four-Diamond Topnotch Resort, set on 120 acres of woodland at the foot of Mount Mansfield, is located between Stowe village and Stowe Mountain Resort (and within 35 miles of four other popular ski resorts: Smugglers’ Notch, Sugar Bush, Mad River Glen and Bolton Valley). The resort includes 68 guest rooms and 17 two- and three-bedroom resort homes that allow for a private and very socially distant experience. Guests enjoy Vermont fresh farm-to-table dining at The Roost, the Topnotch Tennis Academy (ranked one of the top 10 tennis resorts in the country offering more than 30 programs for all ages and levels of play on six seasons outdoor and four indoor hard courts), the 35,000 square foot award-winning Topnotch Spa, three indoor and outdoor heated pools, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, the Equestrian Center at Topnotch (offering English and Western trail rides, private and group horseback riding, carriage rides and sleigh rides), Mountain Ops Outdoor Gear (an on-property outfitter which can arrange and outfit for any activity year-round, including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and fishing in the summer), outdoor fire pits with s’mores kits, shuffleboard and other games, specialty cocktails, access to the Stowe Recreation Path and more. Dogs are also welcome at Topnotch, with dog beds, CBD treats and special canine-friendly turndown service and spa treatments. Topnotch is a short drive away from Stowe Village, featuring many locally owned shops and an array of restaurants, music and art galleries. 

Spire Hospitality, led by CEO Chris Russell, is a third-party operator of 7,033 room keys and over 350,000 square feet of meeting space across 20 states. The Spire portfolio, with a focus on large, full-service hotels, includes unique independent properties and premier branded assets across Hilton Hotels & Resorts (HLT), Marriott International (MAR) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), including 29 hotels and resorts (www.spirehotels.com).

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Sun, Shore and Spirit Salons: Driveable New England Summer Getaways

The Shore House, Narragansett, RI,  a historic, boutique inn situated directly on the beach.

Travelers seeking a fun, summer getaway need look no further than these New England destinations, from a revamped historic hotel overlooking the sparkling ocean in Narragansett and a newly opened family-friendly destination resort on Block Island, to spiritual wellness workshops at a boutique Nantucket hotel and an activity-packed destination resort in a quaint New Hampshire lake town. 

Champlin’s Marina & Resort – Block Island, RI isa newly renovated 9- acre property that aims to be a fresh destination for all — families, couples and even solo travelers. The property features one of New England’s largest marinas with 120 fixed slips, a destination restaurant, 46 guest rooms and special event venue overlooking the Great Salt Pond. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining at Galley House for the freshest seafood around, a Café Boutique with grab n’ go pastries, pizza, and more, as well as a new onsite ice cream parlor. Interior Designer Giovanna Lucy of New England-based Giovanna Lucy Design, and David Ashen, founder of Dash Design, envisioned the new resort to be reflective of Block Island.

The Shore House – Narragansett, RI,  a historic, boutique inn situated directly on the beach debuted last month following a complete renovation of its 31-rooms and a beautiful new lobby. Enhancing the overnight experience, the Shore House opened a new, sophisticated beachside restaurant, Sea Craft, overlooking the sparkling blue sea. Menu highlights include an elevated take on a lobster roll, locally caught day-boat fish and creative ceviche and crudo plates, as well as a crafted approach to traditional beach cocktails. Sea Craft’s outdoor patio will see the addition of an outdoor bar, fire pits and beautiful new landscaping. The patio will also be elevated so that visitors can enjoy even better views of the ocean. 

Nantucket Resort Collection – Nantucket, MA: Regatta Inn, part of Nantucket Resort Collection — an iconic collection of three luxury boutique hotels on Nantucket — just unveiled six newly renovated guest rooms this season, featuring modern, beach inspired decor from the vision of interior designer Giovanna Lucy of New England-based Giovanna Lucy Design. Nantucket Resort Collection will also be hosting exciting onsite activations this summer including: a pop-up with Chelsea’s own Bottino NYC on July 17 with elevated Italian dishes from Michelin Star Executive Chef and Partner, Jamie Kenyon, a set of intimate Spirit Salons on July 11 with Intuitive Psychic Medium, Gurdeep Bhogal, and a pop-up shop with Tuscan designer UASHMAMA  featuring gorgeous, eco-sustainable lifestyle products from June 29-July 3.

Mill Falls at the Lake – Meredith, NH is a timeless, all-season resort located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, New Hampshire. The resort is comprised of four unique hotels & inns and varied dining venues that offer something for everybody. With its lakeside location, Mill Falls is the perfect summer destination for families, offering antique speed boat rides, pontoon boat charters, paddle boarding, kayaking, visits to local wineries, hiking and more. The Mill Falls Marketplace is open year-round and features boutique shops including Lee’s Candy Kitchen, the Innisfree Bookshop, Voila Salon, and the Great Northern Trading Company. 

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New Camping Opportunities on New York’s Canals

The Erie Canal at Macedon. Tentrr now has a camping site at the Palmyra-Macedon Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon which offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun – especially biking on the Canalway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Through a new partnership between the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation and Tentrr, the state is opening more hassle-free campsites alongside New York’s Canals this summer. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals initiative and the recently announced “On the Canals” excursions program, Tentrr created four fully-outfitted campsites for visitors to reserve, most within a short distance of a free “On the Canals” excursion opportunity.

Each of the Canalside camping locations offers turnkey, outfitted camping facilities, allowing guests to camp in style amongst the Canals. Each site is fully equipped with all the amenities for comfortable camping including spacious canvas tents atop a raised platform, queen size memory foam mattress, solar-powered showers, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, set up in advance of arrival.

The campsites available this summer within 15 minutes of an “On the Canals” excursion include:

Yankee Hill Getaway (Amsterdam, Town of Florida) Wedged between the Adirondack and Catskills parks in the Mohawk Valley, the Yankee Hill Getaway site lies on a thin strip of land between the original Erie Canal and the current Canal system. Three sites available.

Oak Island Vista (Waterloo) Nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, the beautiful Oak Island site offers easy access to the best of the Finger Lakes Region. Five sites available.

Montezuma Canal View at Lock E-26 (Galen) Campers at Lock E-26 will wake to views of the tranquil Erie Canal and have easy access to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Six sites available.

Palmyra-Macedon Getaway at Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon) The Palmyra-Macedon site offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun. Five sites available.

To book, go to https://www.tentrr.com/pages/new-york-canals.

In addition to these new campsites, Camp Rockaway is managing a glamping site at Lock C-5 on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville through September 8th.

Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, Governor Cuomo and the New York Power Authority committed $300 million over five years to revitalize the Erie Canal corridor as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of Canalside communities.

Not Your Typical Family Summer Vacation

With the school year winding down, the question weighing on many a parent’s mind is, “What am I going to do with them for three months?” Here are some intriguing friendly locations you might not have thought of:

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

Where: Chiang Rai, Thailand

What: Elephant Camp

Why: Kids eight years and older can learn how to care for the endangered Thai Asian elephants at Elephant Camp under the tutelage of skilled mahouts who will teach them how to feed, bathe, and ride these gentle giants.  Guests can contribute to helping their elephants with a donation to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Anantara Golden Triangle’s charity.

Summer Perk: Summer is, contrary to popular belief, a lovely time to visit Northern Thailand, as the short bursts of rain cool the air and keep the flora lush and green. And there are deals to be had and far less tourists to contend with!

Rates: Anantara Golden Triangle offers a special Mahout Discovery package that includes accommodation in a room with daily breakfast and a three-day mahout training course. Rates for this special package begin at $402/night (not inclusive of taxes) for a Deluxe Room, double occupancy (children under 12 sharing a room with parents are free of charge and receive 50% off the daily breakfast).

Jakes

Where: Treasure Beach, Jamaica

What: Caribbean fun

Why: Kids have a variety of activities, such as a mosaic tile workshop led by the artist who is largely responsible for the unique mosaic design found throughout the property as well as watercolor painting classes. There are interactive cooking lessons to teach aspiring young chefs Jamaican cuisine, trips to stunning waterfalls where kids can jump from a rope swing Tarzan-style into the water, and Farm Tours where they follow the food from farm to table.

Summer Perk: Book four nights at Jakes and receive the fifth night free.

Rates: Starting at $95 per night

Shakti

Where: Ladakh, India

What: Little ones in Little Tibet

Why: Outfitter of bespoke village walking tours, Shakti introduces children to snow-crested landscapes untouched by Western influence through a culturally-sensitive tour replete with colonial-style creature comforts. Guides lead guests on walks and activities such as monastery visits, rafting, and sightseeing between Himalayan villages, while porters supply day packs with lunches.* Families retire to Shakti’s fully staffed (and thoughtfully renovated) homes rented from villagers. Kids as young as six will love riding the region’s indigenous two-humped camels, while older ones may prefer to raft the Upper Indus, one of the great rivers of India.

Summer Perk: The weather is consistently sunny and dry on this high altitude plateau.

Rates: A seven-night walk with customizable itinerary and luxury homestead accommodations starts at $530 per night/per person, based on two to three adults, including meals, activities, guides, and ground transportation. A two-night Shayok River Rafting Journey offers ‘glamping’ in luxe-bedded tents; Western-style loos and showers is an optional add-on. Children between three and 16 will pay 50% of the adult rate.

White Elephant Hotel Residences

Where: Nantucket, MA

What: Classic New England Summer

Why: Kids can enjoy the surf at the nearby Children’s Beach and Jetties Beach – both beaches have swing sets, slides, and climbing equipment. There are also numerous activities such as whale-watching, fishing, biking, golfing, and bird-watching. The cabanas by the new members’ pool come equipped with pool toys, towels, and sun screen, and after a day at the beach, children can eat from their special menu at the delicious Brant Point Grill.

Summer Perk: Can’t beat the charm of Nantucket or the miles of beaches surrounding the island.

Rates: Starting at $350 in June for a King room with the Hot Dates/Cool Rates promotion

Crystal Cruises

Where: Alaska

What: Family friendly programming, excursions, and eats

Why: Crystal Symphony offers children’s programs and activities on select sailings including the Fantasia playroom and the Waves arcade, complete with a Sony Playstation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360™. A daily newsletter, tailored by age group, provides details on kid-friendly activities, like sushi making with Nobu-trained chefs, Bridge and galley tours, ice cream parties, scavenger hunts, and Computer University@Sea® classes.

Summer Perk: The Alaska Summer Series has allied with the National Park Service where Park Rangers come aboard to teach children about natural history; kids and teens can even become Junior Rangers!

Rates: Children 11 and younger pay 50 percent of the minimum fare when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults. Throughout the year, the line occasionally sets special promotions in which children can sail free when sharing a room with two adults.  

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Where: Marrakech, Morocco

What: Joujou Kid’s Club

Why: Along with the idyllic playroom, everyday there is a schedule of events including an Arabic course, arts workshop, writing games, modeling clay, swimming pool games, dress up, and reading. Parents can also arrange for outings around Marrakech, including camel rides through the Palmeraie. Summer Perk: Take the whole fam to check out the Festival National des Arts Populaires where Berber music, folk dance, and street performers fill the streets of Marrakech and provide wonderful – and free – entertainment.

Rates:  Rates for a full individual riad start from €1,650 per night.

Parrot Cay

Where: Turks & Caicos

What: Caribbean fun

Why: The resort introduced children’s offerings based on input from guests, with a range of tailor-made activities including shell painting, tie-dying T-shirts, making necklaces from fossilized shark teeth, organized scavenger hunts, and sailing trips around the island. These activities are particularly popular since they allow the kids to make friends with others on the island.

Summer Perk: Now through October 31, with the Extend that Summer Feeling offer, guests at Parrot Cay get four nights for the price of three or seven nights for the price of five, including breakfast. AND kids eat free all summer!

Rates: Starting at $450 per night for a Terrace Room

La Réserve Genève

Where: Geneva, Switzerland

What: La Petit Réserve

Why: Children can explore the world of “La Petite Réserve” and let their imaginations run wild. The property features a creative ensemble of tree huts and an open air playground on the beautiful lawns.

Summer Perk: La Réserve Genève’s exquisite wooden speedboat is the perfect way to get out on the lake and take in the Swiss scenery and the city views.

Rates: Rates start at $682 for a superior king room

GoldenEye Hotel & Resort

Where: Oracabessa, Jamaica

What: James Bond-style Family Vacay

Why: The watersports program at GoldenEye is supervised by trained lifeguards and will teach children about water safety, snorkeling, jet skiing, and kayaking and expose them to the amazing undersea world of extraordinary creatures and corals. Kiddies can carve coconuts, embark on nature walks, learn bonfire building and fishing with Ramsey (who has worked on the property since the days of Fleming), or stay up to stargaze with Brian, resident astronomy buff.

Summer Perk: Families save 46% off high season winter rates.

Rates: Starting at $448 for a Lagoon Suite

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Where: Beaver Creek, Colorado

What: Teen & Tween treatments at Allegria Spa

Why: Tweens and teens can ditch the ‘rents for some much deserved pampering at the Allegria Spa. Eight-12 year olds can indulge in the ‘Diva Deluxe,’ which includes a bubbling footbath, nail and toe art, a primadonna updo, and sweetcheeks makeup application. 12-16 year olds can recreate their favorite makeover scene with the Uptown Girl package, which includes a cranberry orange scrub, Swedish massage, teen facial and makeup application.
Summer Perk: Fridays at the Park, a free weekly event with snacks, live music and activities for kids and the whole family.

Rates: Diva Deluxe- 70 minutes for $125, and Uptown Girl- 120 minutes and $250

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